Toddlers and Disney World: 10 Must Know Tips

Having four kids, we've taken a baby or a toddler on just about every trip to Disney World. We've dealt with the strollers, snacks, diapers, hand wipes and tantrums. Below I've listed my 11 MUST KNOW tips (bonus! you thought you were only getting 10!) for any family taking a baby or toddler to Disney. These tips will calm your “should I be taking a toddler to Disney?!?” nerves. I promise.
            Before I begin, let me say that Disney World was built around the concept of families. They have made life as easy as possible for parents. Every park has baby stations, complete with nursing areas and necessities for parents. And yes, your toddler will LOVE the trip. I can't promise you they'll remember it when they are fifteen, but they will go batpoop crazy over that huge, moving Mickey Mouse.

Toddlers and Disney World...my best advice...

1. Start your day EARLY. This tip revolves around the concept of naptime. You can't bring your toddler to Disney World and fly by the seat of your pants. While you may be able to go all day, your baby or toddler will need a nap after lunch. Even if your child doesn't nap, they will need the downtime. Tired, over-stimulated kids are a recipe for Disney World disaster.

Get up and out early; preferably when the parks open. Hit the rides and shows, and after lunch, you'll be able to head back to your hotel for a dip in the pool and a siesta. We like to push our baby or toddler in the stroller by the pool, and usually he/she falls asleep. Hubby and I then sit in our pool chairs, next to a stroller covered in a blanket (see tip 4) and chill by the pool watching our other maniacs swim.

2. Pack your cooler. Disney allows outside food, and this tip will save your wallet and your crying hungry toddler. Pack yogurts, dry cereal, cookies, fruit snacks and plenty of drinks. Don't forget diaper wipes, diapers and a clean onesie for babies.

We turn our cooler into our diaper bag. We bring a soft cooler with large side mesh pockets and a zipper pocket in front. For babies, pack bottles filled with water. We pre-measured powder formula and poured into individual snack bags. Need a warm bottle? Keep those bottles with water in the outside mesh pockets of the cooler. Store the individual powder formula bags in the front zipper. Pour, mix and voila, a warm bottle on a shady bench while your husband (or wife) takes your older kids on Space Mountain.

Many parents question whether or not bringing food in will be a hassle. If you’re on a budget, it’s more than worth the extra bag in the stroller. You’ll be going through bag check at every park, and as long as you don’t back the entire kitchen the small cooler won’t weigh you down.

3. Bring a good stroller. I don't care if you have a three year old or four year old who walks every store in the mall. You will want and need a stroller. Not only will your kids get tired, you'll want to move quickly from point A to point B. Every parent knows toddler legs don't walk quickly. A stroller will also hold your cooler and any purchases.

For babies and toddlers, a stroller that fully reclines is ideal. Even if your son hasn’t napped in the stroller since he was an infant, he may shock you and pass out as you motor your family to the next attraction.

I don’t recommend renting strollers in Disney World. They are expensive and you’ll want a stroller for more than the theme parks. If you’re concerned about leaving a stroller outside rides and attractions, don’t be. There is a designated area for strollers and an attendant watching over everyone’s baby chariots. The most annoying thing about having a stroller in Disney World will be finding it after every attraction.

I promise.

If you have a toddler and an infant, I recommend TWO strollers if you have two adults. This will make navigating crowds and shops much easier, and if one child wants to ride Winnie the Pooh while the other is napping, parents can split up without too much hassle.

4. Bring a baby blanket. We use a baby blanket for sunshade. Or nursing. Or diaper changing on a bench. You get the idea. Pack several if you won't be able to do laundry. One year our five year old daughter caught the stomach bug in Disney World. We were able to push her fully reclined (see tip #3) in the stroller, baby blanket shading her, while the other kids enjoyed the parks.

It’s all about being prepared.

5. Pack hand sanitizer and cleansing wipes. We attach a travel sized hand sanitizer to our diaper bag, pack a larger bottle inside the diaper bag and have cleansing wipes on hand at all times. We make a habit of using sanitizer after every ride and wiping down tables before we eat. There have been many trips to Disney I see at least one child vomiting all over his parents, and it’s not from too many Mickey Mouse ice cream bars. Hundreds of thousands of hands touch every turnstile and safety rail. Remember this and do your best to keep hands semi-clean.

6.  Take note of where the bathrooms are when you stop for rides. USE THEM. We take everyone to the bathroom every few hours regardless of who is crying they have to use the bathroom. Everyone goes. Period. These little bathroom breaks not only save our family time as we walk through the parks, but our sanity. “I have to go potty” is a phrase that sends shivers down my spine. Multiply it x4 and I’d rather stay home.

7.  Use the Parent Swap. If you have an infant or small child that is too small to ride an attraction, see a cast member and only one parent will have to wait in the regular line.  The waiting parent will be able to use the FastPass line when the first parent returns. Usually you can take up to two people with you, ensuring you won't be riding alone.  This is also a bonus if you have a child that enjoys the attraction, because they can ride twice!

8.  Pack bright clothes for your toddlers. There are swarms of children in Disney. You'll love your child in lime green when you're scanning the playground at Hollywood Studios. This tip is even more helpful if you dress all your kids in lime green. At the very least, aim for the same color every day.

9. Buy a pack of white label stickers. Every morning, write your cell phone number on the stickers. Stick these on your children! I recommend the back of the shirt, or the sleeve.
Remember to REMOVE these labels BEFORE you wash any clothes.

10. Bring LOTS of sunscreen! Everything is more money in Disney, so bring your own. This goes for anything you'll need, including diapers, wipes and snacks. Any extra luggage space on the way home will hold those Mickey stuffed animals.

11. Make rules for walkers. I am a huge advocate of “better safe than sorry.” While babies and toddlers ride in strollers, many families have a walking child as well. Be clear on instructions, and every morning go over these instructions. We like to use the arm’s length rule. If you can’t reach out and touch mom, dad or the stroller, you’re walking too far away.

Happy planning and any extra tips you have...comment and share!